A thorough evaluation is the first step in designing the best treatment plan. Your examination may include:

Computed Tomography   Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Spectroscopy MR perfusion Functional MRI Diffusion Tensor Imaging   Positron emission tomography (PET)

Your doctor may also ask for other tests, including:

Angiogram   Biopsy   Myelogram   Skull x-ray   Spinal tap

Myelogram This is an x-ray of the spine. A spinal tap is performed to inject a special dye into the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient is tilted to allow the dye to mix with the fluid. This test helps the doctor detect a tumor in the spinal cord.